With greatest respect to C.S. Lewis…
The humidity still hangs heavy in the air and practices are taking place early or late in the day. Players tire of two-a-days, coaches desperately attempt to add more formations and starters try to erase all doubts from their position coach.
While the season may be just around the corner, in some respects it still feels like summer and the silly off-season. The University of Miami has fully embraced the corrupt South Beach culture, or at least been finally and fully exposed. Jordan Jefferson is using the same judgment off field as he does on the field. Seems like the silly off-season will never end. But alas, the season is about to begin and what of the teams from the Big 12, how will they fare?
Oklahoma – With the amount of returning talent, the transition should go well. Unfortunately, despite the Sooners wealth of talent, they are walking into a helluva tough schedule. With road games at Florida, Alabama and LSU, they may be reconsidering their decision until the first paycheck rolls in.
Oklahoma State – the Cowboys really had no choice but to follow their brethren from Norman. While OSU may have some large independent boosters, they couldn’t turn away to money from the new arrangement; T. Boone’s not going anywhere. Their talent is plentiful and their coach is now approaching his mid-40’s, which should lend some maturity, or not. Missouri – They may have lost their QB, but, like the great Texas State Armadillo quarterback Paul Blake once said, “they won just by stepping on the field”. Missouri was spared the best teams in the East, but the West is tough enough.
Texas A&M – The great instigators. The Aggies return almost their entire starting 22 from last season; a season that saw them win a portion of their division. Unfortunately, LB is not a position you can afford to be weak at in this conference. While A&M is being championed for their foresight, the shock of the transition may be overwhelming to the fan base.
What about the rest of the league?
Texas – Mack cleaned house, but has talent. And Texas can recruit not only players but coaches as well. The Longhorns will be fine on defense, but playing in an offense-dominated conference will put a lot of pressure on a unit without proven playmakers. They are probably another year or two away from competing for a title.
Texas Tech – Unlike the Longhorns, the Raiders can put up points thanks to the recruiting efforts of Mike Leach. Unfortunately, their defense is built for Arena Football and Leach isn't calling the plays. They have minimal depth on the defensive line and the secondary is average. Not a good combination.
The rest…really? Do we care?
With the massive realignment during the summer of 2011, not only did the college landscape change, but my interest level as well. Being fond of having been to every SEC stadium, I now have four more venues added to the list. And while Columbia, Missouri may be more akin to Auburn, AL than Athens, GA, it’s an experience to savor. I need to start planning for the trip to Norman in 2012; I’m open for suggestions on places to not miss.
Hmmmm, there are uncomfortable noises interrupting my thoughts...alarm clock you say? What? Wait, I was asleep? Dreaming? So Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Missouri haven’t joined the SEC? Texas and Texas Tech haven’t left for the PAC-12/16? The rest of the Big 10/12/9 haven’t been relegated to football purgatory? All a dream you say…or is it?
Ok, since this was supposed to be a Big 12/10 preview, here are the picks. Go to Vegas is you wish, but I suggest a Costanza-like “do the opposite” approach.
North
Oh wait, only 10 teams…
Big 12/10
Oklahoma – best returning QB and WR; young, but experienced defense…
Texas A&M – solid at all positions, but not great at any…
Oklahoma State – great potential, questions at the head-set position …
Texas Tech – great offense, suspect defense…
Missouri – lost great QB, but Pinkel has installed a self-sustaining system…
Texas – the great unknown…new staff allows for new beginnings…
Kansas State – Bill, you can’t go back home…
Baylor – The Southern Baptists may struggle to stay in the top of the bottom...
Iowa State – Still wondering why they didn’t properly “invest” in Chizik’s system…
Kansas – It’s flat, cold and barren and that’s just the co-ed’s…just kidding…
It's GAME WEEK! Productivity plummets!
"It's game week, productivity plummets"! Simply classic.
ReplyDeleteBy 9am I typically have my entire day's work done... what have I done so far today? Oh not much, just checked out all the Vegas lines on this week's games. Looks like I might have to work until 10am today.
Oh how I wish The Key West Captain could find his way into the SEC.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the LSU themed logo is fantastic.